Before the Dawn (The Grayson Trilogy, #2)

I’m not typically drawn to this genre of book — which I’d define as “romantic thriller” — but I’ve enjoyed this writer’s take on the topic of books and writers on her blog, so it seemed time to explore some of her narrative work. I picked up copies of all three of her Grayson Trilogy and was immediately swept up into the saga of Emma Grayson.

Though I’ve read the entire series — A Single Step, Before the Dawn, and this one, Thicker Than Water — I am leaving the same review on all three pages because my perspective is about the trilogy as a whole (rather than any one of the three books), which would accurately be described as “Parts One, Two and Three” of an unfolding narrative, rather than three standalone books. But I urge readers to start from the beginning with the first book, necessary to getting the full arc of the story, and certainly the most enjoyable way to experience it.

Georgia Rose is a skilled, engaging writer who pulls you into the story immediately, without an overabundance of hyperbole and fluff, which I particularly enjoyed. Her protagonist, Emma Grayson, is a young woman brought up in foster care, who’s lost her only child by illness, her marriage by affair (her husband’s), and her entire sense of self due to the critical mass of these devastating events. She takes a job as a stable master at a large and somewhat enigmatic manor out in the English countryside, looking both to find solitude and detach from life as she’s known it, and this is where the story unfolds.

There is the requisite cast of characters that inspires immediate laying of bets as to who will be become her romantic interest (I guessed correctly!), but despite that unavoidably predictable element (these ARE romance novels!), Rose finds a way to roll out her story with a depth and detail that is unexpected. I particularly enjoyed the specificity with which she describes Emma’s job as a stable master; the arcane details of caring for horses and their environs was not only educational and interesting, it contributed a very visceral backdrop for the plot, which was expertly interwoven throughout.

Another touching and thoughtful plot element was the emotional and very relatable journey Emma experiences in continuing to mourn her daughter. As readers, we could feel the loss and agony along with her, and Rose does an excellent job of bringing this in and out of the story without making the topic maudlin or manipulative. The impact of losing a child becomes a very salient part of Emma’s character and the journey she’s on, impacting the choices she makes, both good and less good, and we are always led to feel both empathetic and hopeful that she will traverse that loss to allow herself a happy life once again.

The other characters in the book, from the man she falls in love with, to the “noble couple” who own the Manor, to the other Manor staff, are individually defined, with specific character traits and compelling roles in the drama, and, again, Rose shows her skill in fleshing those out in ways that are rich in detail and personal narrative.

The thriller plot line (which I won’t give away!) was unexpected and initially struck me as a bit larger-than-life (certainly the life we’re set up to believe Emma will be living!), but once you hop on board and just decide to take this wild ride– inclusive of international espionage and some nefarious characters up to no good–it’s darkly suspenseful and quite the page-turner. Rose’s imaginative twists and nail-biting turns are exciting and visual, and here is where a reader is obligated to read all three books to get the full spectrum of that storyline and its denouement.

Which is also true of the romantic side of this tale. Emma’s slow opening up, of her heart, her trust, her willingness to once again embrace life and love, is tender and affecting, and we WANT her to get there. Rose pushes her character, sometimes to uncomfortable places, to force her face all the corners of her life, past and present, dark and light, allowing her to come into her own as a newly realized woman, and for the reader, it is a lovely journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it to readers, even those who don’t normally turn to romance…because it’s certainly more than just that! Additionally, it’s written by an author who obviously put a lot of care and attention into creating not only an engaging story, but a physical book put together with a professional touch, from the well-formatted interior to the beautiful covers, something I, for one, always appreciate!